Date/Time
Date(s) - 15/02/2023
6:45 pm - 8:30 pm
Categories
Please join us online by Zoom, Wednesday evenings, 6:45-8:30pm. We value Sangha (spiritual community) and the opportunity to be together. We will use this time for lightly guided meditation, a short check in to see how we can support one another, and exploration of a Buddhist topic. The facilitator will offer brief remarks and guide discussion as a way to focus our practice on that week’s theme. Themes may run several weeks, but each week can serve as a stand-alone session. We look forward to seeing you and sharing our love and kindness for the wellness of all beings.
Becoming a Bodhisattva
A Series on the Six Paramitas
This week we continue our exploration of the Paramitas with ethics/morality. The Paramitas or List of Perfections, are a cluster of qualities that reflect how a Bodhisattva would respond to the world.
Bodhisattva’s are archetypal representations of the inner world of the Awakened Mind, brought forth through the development of the Mahayana era of Buddhism. All of these different qualities as represented by these beings are within us, waiting to be recognized and developed, drawn out and cultivated. Prior to the Mahayana development it was stated that we can cultivate and support the arising of a generous, ethically sensitive spirit, combined with patients and energy, and fed by meditation and its arising wisdoms. When we apply steady, gentle awareness to our clinging habits and unskillful, harmful views, this transformation of unskillful behavior allows for more inner space for expanding and strengthening positive qualities. Although said the Mahayana’s; yet not for your own sake, but for the alleviation of stress and suffering for all beings.
The ethical actions of a Bodhisattva are the spontaneous expression of an Awakened Mind where as, for all others it is a disciplinary observance, our stepping stone of practice that will lead to deeper and more profound Meditation.
As we refine our ethical practices, and leave behind the grosser unskillfulness that has created stress and suffering for ourselves and others over time, the mind tends to settle naturally. A sense of calm may arise when we begin to see and accept, that we are NOT the center of the Universe and that we are inextricably connected to everything and everyone else. Service to others becomes the paramount position for happiness.
All are welcome!
Wednesday Night Zoom Link
For more info, contact Narottama at bnarottama@gmail.com
Nagaloka’s Friends Night overview Nagaloka handout friends night July 2020
Check out this great resource: https://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/
Please contact us if you have any questions. Email info@nagalokabuddistcenter.org
Please feel free to join us.
